The Ohio Democrat. (Logan, O. [Ohio]) 1886-1906, 1887-11-12
AHuMANE EMPLOYER.



Broken-Down Merchants.
Business men of enterprise frequent-
ly have novel ideas, but probably the
most curious mode of conducting trade |
that has come to light even in this city |
of odd freaks, is that adopted by q
wholesale dealer in notions and dry |
goods throughout the country, and his |
store is probably one Of the largest of |
this kind; but, as his secret was con-
fided to me under promise not to reveal
his identity, feel bound to withhold
1t, at the Same time vouching for the
correctness of the story.
My friend became acquainted with
this merchants peculiar idea through
business intercourse. A week ago
he entered the store, intending to pur-
chase some dry goods that had been
advertised very cheap. AS he stepped
over the threshold he was accosted by
clerk, who ut once attracted his at
tention. He was n man past middle
age, with shabby-gentcel air that was
very striking. His face was rather
bloated, his eyes blinkcd and were red,
his hand trembled, and his breath
was redolent of strong drink. My
friend was amazed, and looked around
to see if some salesman of more pre-
possessing appearance would not pre-
sent himself. To his intense sur
prise, of the half dozen clerks in
sight all had the same air of dilapi-
dated gentility. Before he could col
lect his senses the man beside him had
began to inquire as to the particular
style of goods he desired to see. His
voice, although harsh and discordant,
had some pleasing and attractive quail
ities, and it was evident that his UNDER
standing of the business was thorough.
A few days later he met a person
who was thoroughly acquainted with
the proprietor of the dry-goods store,
from whom he learned the secret of the
| salesman's appearance. 1t seems that
the merchant conceived the idea of en-
ploying as salesmcn rs many broken
down merchants in his line of business
as he could find. He discovered that
most of the ex-employers who had
failed, and whom he could expect to
secure at such salaries as he was willing
to pay We're men whose downfall was
mainly due to intemperance.
He discharged all the sober clerks
and employed new batch of broken
down merchants. Then he gathered
them all together and told them the
conditions under which they would
have to work. He first reminded them
of their failing and told them that they
would have to curb it.
"Now, gentlemen" he is alleged to
have said. 'it is not to be presumed
that inasmuch as you could not keep
sober when your own business interests
were involved, you will be able under
ordinary circumstances to stop drink
ing because want you to do so. Even
if you don't get drunk during business
hours your bats at night will probably
incapactate you for work the next day.
The only way to prevent that is to keep
| you from temptation even when you are
not actually at work. That will be for
your interest as we'll rs for mine. What
lam going to do is this: am going to
fix up rooms for you on the top floor,
where you can stay at night and sleep.
will have your meals sent from res
taurant near by and yon will be well
fed at my expense. You must not
leave this establishment, except with
my permission, but will see that you
get plenty of fresh air and outdoor eX-
ercise will pay you we'll and will
expect you 10 do your utmost to sell my
goods just as though you were your
selves the proprietors. At any time
you want to quit, of course you need
only say so. In order to satisfy your
cravings for drink, you will receive
regular ralions of whisky every day.
By gradually diminishing the quantity,
the grip it has upon you will be loos-
ened. You can save money and with
perseverance you will be able to give
up your bad habits and once more be-
come respectable members of society,""
| Nearly all acceded to the conditions.
Some have dropped out since by break
iag the rules, for the proprietor is very
strict, but most of them have observed
them faithfully. A few have been able
to overcome their passion and have
started in business for themselves
again. AS they drop out, their places
are filed by new men. AS far as the
proprietor is concerned. he is said to
have found it a profitable plan.--M y
Letter.